ascilite invites applications for a new Lead Editor and Associate Editor to join the existing editorial team of the Australasian Journal of Educational Technology (AJET). AJET editors serve in a voluntary capacity.

Context

In June 2016, Professor Barney Dalgarno will complete his term as lead editor of AJET. ascilite is committed to active succession planning for this important role and has now begun a search for a new lead editor to join the team. Professor Dalgarno and the AJET team will provide support to the successful applicant’s smooth transition into the role.

AJET also seeks expressions of interest for the role of Associate Editor. Currently there are seven Associate Editors who work with the Lead Editors to oversee the review process of the papers and other work of the journal. This call for expressions of interest for Associate Editor is to continue to build our AJET team’s capacity.

Background

The Australasian Journal of Educational Technology (AJET) is a highly regarded, influential, open access, online journal that has international standing and reach. It publishes peer reviewed scholarly research related to the educational use of technologies in the tertiary education sector. AJET is the official journal of the Australasian Society for Computers in Learning in Tertiary Education (ascilite) and has an Editorial Board and Management Committee. Since January 2012, AJET has utilised the Open Journal Systems (OJS) as its online journal management and publishing system. AJET is a recognised peer-reviewed journal listed in Ulrich's Periodicals Directory.

Lead Editor Responsibilities

The Lead Editors are responsible for setting and maintaining the editorial direction of AJET, and leading and overseeing the work of the Associate Editors and copyeditors. The Lead Editors also: fulfill the role of journal manager and manage and coordinate the production of AJET editions; and compile reports for the AJET Management Committee and Editorial Boards and an annual report for the ascilite AGM. The Lead Editors meet with the AJET Management Committee (online or via teleconference) to negotiate the timeline and resources required for the journal’s activities. Lead Editors are expected to attend the ascilite annual conference to lead a free ascilite workshop/symposium on publishing in AJET.

Associate Editor Responsibilities

The main role of associate editors is take carriage of manuscripts assigned to them after initial screening by a lead editor. They then assign the articles to suitable reviewers, manage and determine the outcome of the review process, and liaise with authors about their manuscript prior to passing the manuscript to a copy and layout editor. Further detail about the role can be provided upon request.

Expression of interest Details

The appointment of new Lead/Associate Editors will initially be for three years with potential for negotiation of a second term. Editors must have current ascilite membership (or be willing to become a member) and be familiar with the journal and with the goals of ascilite. As the official journal of ascilite, the Editorial team, and any other bodies necessary for the operations of AJET, operate in accordance with the ascilite constitution and under the governance of the AJET Management Committee and the ascilite Executive Committee.

Applicants should also confirm that their employer is supportive of them undertaking the role and that they are able to commit the necessary time to undertake the role.

Selection criteria

Essential criteria for Lead Editors:

Experience in academic publishing together with an awareness of issues associated with editing an international journal and maintaining quality indicators as judged by the sector in Australasia and internationally, including impact factors, journal indexing, journal analytics etc.

Reputation as a ‘known’ and active researcher in the field (educational use of technologies in tertiary education)

Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor a team (e.g. Associate Editors)

Demonstrated ability to lead and project manage new initiatives and complex operations effectively and efficiently

Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and constructively with multiple committees and stakeholders (including for example, authors and reviewers from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds)

Commitment to the goals of ascilite, including ascilite’s members and future members

Capacity to use the Open Journal Systems electronic journal management system

Essential criteria for Associate Editors:

Experienced educational technology researchers in post-school contexts with a well-established track record of journal publications in educational technology

Have a strong track record of reviewing articles for educational technology journals and conferences

Have excellent English language written communication skills

Have demonstrated successful publication in high quality journals

Are knowledgeable of a range of research methods

Have experience in collaborative work across geographical boundaries

Have the time and commitment to dedicate to the role of an associate editor

Application and selection process

Lead Editor – Proposals for the position of Lead Editor will be reviewed by a selection panel comprising four members from the ascilite Executive, AJET Editorial Board and AJET Management Committee. A shortlist will be made from the applications received by the deadline. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted to participate in an interview (via the web or teleconference). The selection panel will recommend the new Lead Editor to the ascilite Executive who will then endorse the selection. In some circumstances the selection panel may be impressed by the application but may feel that the candidate should be recommended as an Associate Editor rather than Lead Editor.

Associate Editor – Proposals for the position of Associate Editor will be reviewed by the three Lead Editors. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted to participate in an interview (via Web or tele-conference). The selection panel will recommend the new Associate Editor to the ascilite Executive who will then endorse the selection.

Requests for further information and applications should be submitted via email to Associate Professor Dominique Parrish.